LAHORE: A “Leadership & Growth Dialogue” was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), bringing together senior business leaders, corporate executives and policy thinkers to discuss leadership challenges, economic performance and the roadmap for sustainable growth in Pakistan.
The speakers unanimously emphasized the need for structural reforms, consistent economic policies, improved governance and evolved, people-centric leadership models to put Pakistan on a sustainable growth path.
Chief Operating Officer KFC Pakistan Humayun Sajid shared his personal leadership journey, stating that leadership styles must evolve with time. He said that early in his career he followed a control-driven approach focused solely on results, but later realized that such leadership is not sustainable. He emphasized that modern leadership is based on trust, compassion and empowerment, where teams look forward to working with their leaders rather than fearing them.
Country Head Samsung Mobile Pakistan Umar Ghumman said effective leadership in large organisations requires moving away from micromanagement toward trust-based systems. He stressed that empowered teams, clear vision and adaptability were critical for success in rapidly changing markets.
Head of Marketing Fauji Fertilizer Raja Junaid Bin Mujtaba highlighted the importance of ethical leadership, strategic communication and long-term planning in building resilient organizations and supporting national economic stability.
Chief Commercial Officer Alghazi Tractors Azhar Noor spoke about leadership in industrial and agricultural sectors, emphasizing adaptability, innovation and cross-functional collaboration as key drivers of sustainable growth.
Addressing the gathering, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that true leadership is rare and never accidental. He emphasized that patience, tolerance, courtesy and consistency are the most important qualities of leadership, which have gradually diminished in society.
Saigol further said that leadership is developed over decades through sacrifice, struggle and continuous learning, and its true value lies in transmitting experience to future generations. He stressed that seminars like this help transform knowledge into guidance for young leaders who will shape society.
Highlighting tolerance as the highest standard of leadership, he cited the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), whose patience and forgiveness serve as an eternal model for humanity. He urged senior professionals to guide the younger generation on developing resilience and long-term vision.
Vice President SAARC Chamber and former President FPCCI & LCCI Mian Anjum Nisar said “Pakistan is facing a serious leadership and governance crisis, which has caused the country to lag behind other nations over the past 78 years.” He said policies were formulated but not implemented, resulting in missed opportunities. He pointed out that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are incurring annual losses of around Rs 750 billion and described nationalization as a major policy mistake. He added that delays in the privatisation of PIA caused prolonged losses, expressing hope that the recent decision would bring improvement through better leadership and capital.
Muhammad Anwar delivered the closing remarks, while Majida Naveed, Market Researcher, also shared her insights during the dialogue. Executive Committee Members Rana Shouban Akhtar and Firdous Nisar were also among the participants.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
